RIT defenseman Chris Tanev has forfeited his final three years of eligibility to sign with the Vancouver Canucks.
Tanev, 20, was RIT’s leading freshman scorer with 28 points (10-18-28) and four penalty minutes in 41 games. He also led his team in plus/minus (plus-34).
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The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Tanev was also the Atlantic Hockey rookie of the year.
Tanev tallied four points in seven post-season games, and scored the game’s first goal in RIT’s 2-1 win over No. 2 Denver at the NCAA Regional Semifinal on March 26.
“We are really excited for Chris to have an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing professional hockey,” said RIT coach Wayne Wilson. “Chris enjoyed an outstanding freshman year and was a key part of our success. He is a tremendous skater, passer, and has a great feel for the game. As Chris gets stronger, he will have a great chance to play in the NHL.”
He is the second player in RIT’s D-I history to leave early for an NHL contract. The first was Steve Pinizzotto, who signed with Washington after his sophomore year in 2007.
Terms of Tanev’s contract were not disclosed.
